By Juan Jocom

It is a time for milestones in the commercial community that has formed around Capitol Hill’s 19th Ave E.

Monsoon, which has grown into the small business core of the neighborhood since it began redefining Vietnamese dining in Seattle at the turn of the millenium, is celebrating 25 years on the street.

There are more celebrations underway.

Across the street at Tirto Furniture, a family business is marking its own anniversary, celebrating resilience and quality. Even as the industry has trended toward mass-produced, disposable, build-your-own furniture, the E Mercer shop just off 19th Ave E doesn’t seem to be bothered by the shifting landscape. Their 10th anniversary is a testament that as long as you build things with love, there is going to be someone who will love the creations — and hopefully be willing to pay a little extra for it.

Looking out from the street, the Tirto showroom seems like a tiny neighborhood furniture store, but once you walk through the door, you find a whole world of crafted, handmade furniture with a strong connection to Southeast Asia.

“We love the fact that it can support so many families both here and in Indonesia,” Claire Tirtoprodjo said. “We pay above average to our employees there. We pay for schooling for the kids… and so we’re fortunate that people really stay with us. So the relationships there are really strong.”

Claire and Chris Tirtoprodjo started Tirto in late 2013 with furniture crafted almost purely with reclaimed teak from old houses, railroad ties, chicken coops, and old furniture as well as sustainably grown teak.

The valuable hardwood has grown in popularity but global forestry practices have damaged some areas badly. Myanmar teak, for example, is now restricted by tight sanctions. Indonesia’s “Timber Legality Assurance System” verifies that timber products exported from the nation’s forests were legally procured and was developed by the government to promote sustainable forest management.

Although the Tirtoprodjos both say that things haven’t gotten easier for them during the their years in business, what keeps Tirto going is their passion for what they make and the opportunity it gives them to help communities locally and internationally.

They have 25 employees in their workshop in Indonesia. These are the same people who lived within the same community as Chris grew up in. Now they work in Java where they build most of the furniture with salvaged wood, and send the pieces to the United States.

The history of Tirto goes way back before the opening of their Capitol Hill store. Chris’s father, James Tirtoprodjo, began collecting antique pieces when he was just in kindergarten 20 years ago. Chris said this early exposure to his dad’s projects made him gravitate towards woodworking.

This furniture store serves as a bridge for Chris to connect his love with his country, woodworking, and family. It has also been a home for the family. They raised their kids as they slowly expanded their business. Before moving to a house, the Tirtoprodjos lived in the office space above the shop for a few years.

There is a family presence throughout Tirto. Sprinkled through the store are potteries from Claire’s dad and brother. But the enduring quality of the hardwood furniture is the core to Tirto’s years of business.

The Tirtoprodjos say they believe their customers change their buying habits and become more thoughtful on purchases they make after living with their craft furniture.

“People who find us are really passionate about sustainability, about buying furniture that’s going to last,” Claire said.

Tirto Furniture is located at 1908 E Mercer. Learn more at tirtofurniture.com.

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